Apps Similar to Termux for Android
Termux has become one of the most popular terminal emulators and Linux environment apps for Android. With over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store, Termux allows you to run Linux packages and commands on Android devices.
However, several apps like Termux also provide Linux terminal emulators and environments for Android.
Top Alternatives to Termux
1. Linux Deploy
Linux Deploy is a full-featured Linux environment app for Android. It goes beyond just a terminal interface and allows you to install and run full Linux distros on your Android device.
Some key features of Linux Deploy include:
Installation of various Linux distro images like Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, etc.
Automatic configuration of displays, audio, sensors, etc to work properly on Android
Root access available for privileged operations on some devices
Xfce desktop environment can be launched for GUI apps
Linux Deploy sets up an entire Linux environment that lets you install desktop apps, services, programming languages and more.
2. UserLAnd
UserLAnd provides access to Linux distributions as immutable VMs packaged as Android apps. It launched as a fork of Linux Deploy but has evolved into a more active and user-friendly project.
Some main capabilities of UserLand include:
Simple installation of popular Linux distros like Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Arch Linux and Debian
Integrated VNC client for connecting to graphical desktop environments
Support for managing multiple Linux distributions simultaneously
Automated configuration for hardware, display and audio
Root access available in privileged containers
The easy-to-use interface makes UserLAnd one of the most convenient Termux alternatives for quick Linux environment setup.
3. GNURoot Debian
GNURoot Debian provides a basic Debian Linux environment without the need for root access. It launches a chrooted Debian using PRoot to provide Linux capabilities.
Key features of GNURoot Debian:
The minimal base image allows the installation of additional Debian packages
Xfce desktop environment can be installed for GUI app capabilities
No root is required for setup, good for more restricted devices
Primarily provides access to the Debian ecosystem
GNURoot is a simple chroot-based option for basic Linux command-line functionality from Termux.
Honorable Mentions
Some other apps like Termux are worth checking out:
Shelter - Open-source Work Profile manager to create isolated spaces
Terminal Emulator - Simple terminal app for Android
Hacker's Keyboard - Customizable keyboard for shortcuts, macros, etc
Conclusion
Termux deserves its popularity for opening up Android devices for Linux terminal usage. However, apps like Linux Deploy, UserLAnd and GNURoot Debian provide more complete Linux environments. They allow installing Linux desktop interfaces, distros and packages for advanced development workflows. Depending on your use cases around using Linux on Android, these Termux alternatives are worth evaluating.
